The Malaise Era arrives this weekend just outside Philomath with a unique car show that will take folks back to the ’70s, ’80s and into the mid-’90s.
Daniel “Bones” Lombardo of the Eugene-based Malaise Car Club of Oregon said the event will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday on private property located along Echo Hills Road in Wren. Now in its second year — and first time to be held in this vicinity — the Malaise Invitational will even raffle off a 1991 Jaguar XJS.
Unique type of car show coming to Philomath vicinity
A unique car show that celebrates Malaise Era vehicles will be coming to the Philomath vicinity next month, organizers announced. The event, called the Malaise Invitational, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, June 24, on private property located along Echo Hills Road in Wren and will feature vehicles made from 1972 to 1995. “It…
Lombardo was asked what people should expect if they head out to the car show Saturday.
“You’re gonna to see a nice selection of cars that were actually driven by regular people back in the day,” he said. “You’re gonna to enjoy some fun tunes of period-correct songs and even commercials over the speaker system. We will be supplying plenty of water since it’s going to be a nice day to stay hydrated. And of course we’ll have the raffle, not only for the Jaguar but for a few other smaller raffle prizes as well.”
Lombardo then added, “It’s just going to be overall a very nice and relaxed vibe.”
The Jaguar XJS was manufactured by the notable British carmaker from 1975-96. The 1991 model to be raffled comes in original Regency Red and has 194,000 original miles, power locks, windows and seats, working A/C, cruise control, telescopic wheel, fog lamps, factory chrome wheels and sunroof. The organizers said it comes with a complete fluid change and fresh detail.
Raffle tickets are $25 for one or $100 for five.
The car show will feature vehicles made from 1972 to 1995. Toward the beginning of the era, the federal government introduced the first of several mandates to reduce pollution and improve fuel efficiency and safety, which in turn impacted vehicle performance. In 1995, the universal adoption of diagnostic electronics systems sparked the modern era of engine management and emissions.
Lombardo said that as of Wednesday, the club had confirmed at least 40 cars that had registered to participate, and added, “Of course, that number is more than likely going to change by the time we get to the event.”
For those interested in bringing out a car from the 1972-95 period, there is an online registration system. The cost during preregistration is $25 and for those who register on the day of the event, the cost will be $35. Spectator admission is free.
Net proceeds from the event will benefit The HIV Alliance, a Eugene-based organization founded in 1994.
The Malaise Car Club of Oregon currently has 399 members spread across the state and Pacific Northwest. Members from as far away as Seattle plan to participate in the show.
The event experienced a bit of a setback early this week related to a food truck that had been scheduled to be on site at the car show. Lombardo said the vendor had double-booked and canceled.
“I’m encouraging people that if this hiccup doesn’t get resolved, it’s going to be nice weather this Saturday and there’s nothing stopping people from bringing out the old blanket and picnic basket,” Lombardo said. “You know, things happen, and the most important part is people are going to show up and it’s going to be nice to see everybody and see some weird cars.”
Lombardo said there will be awards in various categories along with a few contests, including one for best “sleazy car salesman” costume. A deejay will be on site playing period tunes.
The specific address for the property of where the car show will be held is 23915 Echo Hills Road.